Mendon police lieutenant case scheduled for court today

MENDON - The case of a Mendon Police lieutenant accused of assaulting his subordinate coworkers is scheduled to be heard in Worcester District Court today.

Donald Blanchette Jr., 50, was first arraigned in October 2013 in Milford District Court on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and four counts of assault and battery.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on conditions that he stay away from the alleged victims and not possess a firearm. The case was subsequently sent to Worcester District Court.

According to a state police investigation, Blanchette assaulted or threatened two subordinates on numerous occasions. The investigation claimed Blanchette threatened coworkers with a knife and Taser, and occasionally whipped a coworker with an antenna-like device. Blanchette is also accused of punching coworkers in the chest, ribs and arms.

According to Mendon Police Chief Ernest Horn, Blanchette remains on sick leave from the department.

"He has been out due to a long-term, significant medical issue," Horn said.

Horn said once Blanchette is medically cleared to return to duty, he would have to undergo an internal investigation before he could return to the department.

Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.